Uganda : Kenyan Startup Launches Commercial Electric Tuk-Tuks In Uganda

Sokowatch, a Kenyan e-commerce platform has launched electric tuk-tuks in addition to its delivery fleet in Uganda.

This makes the vehicle the first to be used commercially in East Africa.

Sokowatch allows informal retailers to order products for their stores via SMS or mobile app with free same-day delivery.

Built by Gayam Motor Works, the new fleet of vehicles take just 3 hours to charge overnight and last for approximately 2-3 days. The electric tuk-tuks also deliver to an estimated 35 shops per day within 2 hours of orders being placed and can carry 500kg in goods for the retailers.

Offering more than just delivery of goods, the company seeks to build a cleaner and more sustainable environment in its operating markets.

“In Kampala, air quality is six times worse than global standards and as a company built around improving the livelihoods of local communities, we took the direct approach to address the issue,” said Sokowatch’s country manager for Uganda Peter Muzoora.

“We launched in Kampala last year and when we arrived, we made a commitment to be a business that would add and not take away from our local communities and the launch of our electric tuk-tuks shows this wasn’t just lip-service. Every day, we witness the impact of carbon emissions and noise pollution on this city, which is why this project is so important and also why we’re proud to be a company leading active change in Kampala.”

Sokowatch has over 16,000 shop owners in its network, and is easing access to essential goods and services across nine major cities in East Africa.